Donald free to start role
Kent cricket
Allan Donald has been granted his UK work permit allowing him to become assistant coach at Kent.
The former South African international is currently with the squad in Antigua as the side take part in the West Indies Super 50 one-day competition, which started yesterday (Wednesday), with Kent facing Guyana Jaguars.
He was due to join Kent as assistant coach for the 2017 season but only had a Level 2 coaching qualification.
The 51-year-old subsequently spent part of the summer working with Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy squad – a role he was able to fulfil because visa requirements only apply to employers in the UK.
He has now gained the Level 3 qualification he needs and can take up the role.
Ex-Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie was brought in on a short-term contract instead but it was always the county’s intention to appoint Donald as coach.
Seamer Ivan Thomas and allrounder Calum Haggett both spent the winter in South Africa working with Donald.
Kent’s interim chief executive officer, Ben Green, said: “Two of the players spent a considerable amount of time in the winter with Allan and have raved about the time they have spent with him.
“Last year it was a frustrating time for the club but Allan is here and working with the squad.”
Both head coach Matt Walker and captain Sam Billings are missing for the tour as they are in Australia for England’s T20 tri-series. Squad for the tour in Antigua: Daniel Bell-Drummond, Alex Blake, Mitch Claydon, Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Sean Dickson, Will Gidman, Calum Haggett, Matt Hunn, Imran Qayyum, Adam Riley, Ollie Robinson, Adam Rouse, Grant Stewart, Ivan Thomas, James Tredwell. assistant